PARIS: Time is now for Turner to mold Chargers

SAN DIEGO ---- It's time for coach Norv Turner and staff to earn their dough, because there's a lot riding on it.

OK, Turner is always on the hot seat and under the microscope in these parts. He wasn't a popular pick when he replaced Marty Schottenheimer, and nothing has changed after two straight playoff-free seasons.

But while his detractors sharpen needles, Turner needs to be on point the next 11 days, a run that started Saturday at training camp.

The Chargers held their first of five straight two-a-day practices Saturday. Some of the morning practices are walk-throughs, but every opportunity for on-field coaching can't be minimized.

Those five days will be followed by an Aug. 18 preseason game against the visiting Cowboys, and the game will b e followed by two days of practices with Dallas.

"This is the week you improve the most. I'm sure Coach Turner said it,'' quarterback Philip Rivers said. "He's always said it to us, from week one to week two.''

It goes without saying that the Chargers have plenty to coach-up. Thursday's 21-13 exhibition win over the Packers was keen, but the real benefit from those four quarters is seeing what the Chargers must address.

That's true, really, after any game. But seldom does an NFL season offer an extended time frame for Turner and his coaches to identify specific shortcomings and emphasize their points.

"The fact that we have a little more extended period of time from Thursday to next Saturday, and then practice twice against the Cowboys, this is a big stretch coming up for us,'' Turner said.

No surprise, but Rivers and Turner are on the same page.

"This is a big stretch for us," Rivers said.

There was plenty of good that came from Thursday, and we're not just talking about the score.

Linebacker Melvin Ingram, the Chargers' first-round draft pick, was active and productive, introducing himself to Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers in a way that forced an interception. A Chargers insider speculated earlier in camp that Ingram would be the team's best pass rusher at some point, and that point is coming fast.

Tight end Antonio Gates was sprinting again like he's running the court for Kent State rather than walking on glass. With his foot healed, Gates abused a safety in coverage for a touchdown and looked like he's primed for another stellar season.

Rookie defensive tackle Kendall Reyes was in on numerous plays, recording four tackles, half a sack and a quarterback hit.

"I'm not going to lie, I was a little nervous, but after a couple of snaps I got comfortable,'' Reyes said. "There are definitely a lot of things I need to work on, but it felt good being out there on the field. That's why you watch film and get back to it.''

Left tackle Mike Harris held up in Jared Gaither's place, which is a huge plus. Harris figures to be the subject of intense coaching, with offensive coordinator and offensive line coach Hal Hunter tracking the undrafted rookie's every step.

Robert Meachem and Rivers, unlike Rivers and Turner, need to find that same page. Rivers tried to force a pass Meachem's way only to have it intercepted by Tramon Williams. Rivers said it was his fault; Turner said Meachem has to do a better job of separating himself from the defender.

But that circles back to coaching, even with veterans like Rivers and Meachem. And this is the portion of training camp where such instruction can be constantly distributed.

But Father Time can't be accelerated while a player is injured. That's the case with running back Ryan Mathews, who will miss up to six weeks with a broken clavicle.

While Mathews mends, it's imperative that Turner and running backs coach Ollie Wilson get those who will climb the depth chart comfortable in their cleats.

Turner swears he's confident with a running-back-by-committee approach until Mathews' return. Still, we'll speculate the Chargers are checking everywhere for help. Because each of Mathews' understudies carry numbers that give cause for concern.

+ Ronnie Brown: age 30; 136 rushing yards last year.

+ Le'Ron McClain: 43 carries in two seasons.

+ Curtis Brinkley: 32 carries in two seasons.

+ Michael Hayes: Year 1 as an undrafted rookie.

+ Edwin Baker: Year 1 as a seventh-round draft pick.

The big figure is No. 2, with the second exhibition game in the offing. But before getting there, Turner and his lieutenants need to shine as bright as the star on the Cowboys' helmets.